Bailey Smith to compete in 60 metre at U Sports nationals

Alex Cyr is an Abram-Village native studying at St. FX University in Antigonish, N.S. He will be competing in the 1,500 metre.

Ellen Murphy is an Augustine Cove native studying at St. FX University in Antigonish, N.S. She will be competing in the weight throw competition. She also plays rugby for the X-Women.

Bailey Smith is getting ready to compete with the top university sprinters in the country later this week.

Michaela Walker is a Summerside native studying at Dalhousie University in Halifax. She will be competing in the 1,500 metre and 4x800-metre relay.

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – Bailey Smith is a fast runner who could be on the verge of becoming even faster.

The Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association (PEISAA) 200-metre record holder is working on getting out of the blocks quicker.

The 20-year-old Ten Mile House native has been training indoors this winter and recently won the 60-metre dash at the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) championship in Moncton. She will be the first UPEI Panther ever to compete at the U Sports event Thursday in Edmonton.

“I usually don't have the best starts, which is crucial in the 60,” Smith said before a recent training session. “A lot of the times, if you have a bad start then it ruins the rest of your race. We’ve been working really hard this year, so it’s paid off.”

There was a timing issue at the AUS event, but there was photographic evidence of Smith winning the race. Through 50 metres, Smith was leading with a time of 6.60.

Colin MacAdam, who has been coaching Smith for eight years, said he was only a little bit surprised with her recent performance, given it was the first year she has run the 60 metre and indoors.

“She’s a real talent,” MacAdam said. “There’s an adjustment to both of those and she’s made the adjustment really well.”

Smith is hoping to use the indoor season to springboard into a strong spring and summer, culminating at the Canada Games in Winnipeg from July 28 to Aug. 4. While the Island team for the Canada Games has not been announced, Smith met the standard a couple years ago and is a lock to wear the Island colours for a second time after posting a personal best in Sherbrooke, Que., four years ago.

“It’s a really big confidence booster,” Smith said of the AUS title in the 60 metre. “I think this will make my start a lot better and make me a better runner.”

Smith has dealt with some injuries, including hip flexor, shin splints and knee, in recent years. While they have not been major injuries, they have limited her ability to train and build strength.

“The injuries in the sport are devastating. A little injury is a big injury,” MacAdam said. “She’s been healthy all winter and we're expecting big things.”

This is the first season for track and field at UPEI.

MacAdam and Andy Walker have discussed the idea with administration for a couple of years now. The Panthers started competing in cross-country a year ago and this year added track to the mix with about a dozen athletes.

Athletic director “Chris Huggan, I think, took a chance on this and believed in what we could do,” MacAdam said. “It’s going to help our sport immensely.”

The U Sports 60 metre heats are Thursday at 8 p.m. Atlantic with the final at 10 p.m.

The Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association (PEISAA) 200-metre record holder is working on getting out of the blocks quicker.

The 20-year-old Ten Mile House native has been training indoors this winter and recently won the 60-metre dash at the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) championship in Moncton. She will be the first UPEI Panther ever to compete at the U Sports event Thursday in Edmonton.

“I usually don't have the best starts, which is crucial in the 60,” Smith said before a recent training session. “A lot of the times, if you have a bad start then it ruins the rest of your race. We’ve been working really hard this year, so it’s paid off.”

There was a timing issue at the AUS event, but there was photographic evidence of Smith winning the race. Through 50 metres, Smith was leading with a time of 6.60.

Colin MacAdam, who has been coaching Smith for eight years, said he was only a little bit surprised with her recent performance, given it was the first year she has run the 60 metre and indoors.

“She’s a real talent,” MacAdam said. “There’s an adjustment to both of those and she’s made the adjustment really well.”

Smith is hoping to use the indoor season to springboard into a strong spring and summer, culminating at the Canada Games in Winnipeg from July 28 to Aug. 4. While the Island team for the Canada Games has not been announced, Smith met the standard a couple years ago and is a lock to wear the Island colours for a second time after posting a personal best in Sherbrooke, Que., four years ago.

“It’s a really big confidence booster,” Smith said of the AUS title in the 60 metre. “I think this will make my start a lot better and make me a better runner.”

Smith has dealt with some injuries, including hip flexor, shin splints and knee, in recent years. While they have not been major injuries, they have limited her ability to train and build strength.

“The injuries in the sport are devastating. A little injury is a big injury,” MacAdam said. “She’s been healthy all winter and we're expecting big things.”

This is the first season for track and field at UPEI.

MacAdam and Andy Walker have discussed the idea with administration for a couple of years now. The Panthers started competing in cross-country a year ago and this year added track to the mix with about a dozen athletes.

Athletic director “Chris Huggan, I think, took a chance on this and believed in what we could do,” MacAdam said. “It’s going to help our sport immensely.”

The U Sports 60 metre heats are Thursday at 8 p.m. Atlantic with the final at 10 p.m.